Questions About Foster Holly Bushes

I have five Foster Holly trees planted in one area on our yard. They are about 2-3 feet apart. They do not have berries and several have died and been replaced. It is my understanding that Foster Holly trees are self-producing. Is that true? Also, they have a feeder root at the bottom and when dug up in the field (if not dug properly), the tree will die. Is that true? All the trees have been planted with a mix of natural soil and compost mix, and watered. Can you help me figure out why my Foster Holly trees keep dying?

Answered by Nikki on April 14, 2011Certified Expert

A.

When they die, what is the progression of the death? Do they turn brown or yellow? Do they lose leaves or not? It sounds like you have something in the soil and this information will help us figure out what the issue could be.

The leaves of the Foster’s holly fell off in one day. It started at the top and went to the bottom, leaving only a few leaves on the bottom. The shrub is established and not under any stress. Did not observe any infestation or problem the day before.

Answered by Nikki on May 2, 2011Certified Expert

A.

Do the leaves turn brown or yellow before they fall off? Please let us know and we will be better able to identify the problem with the holly bushes.

I have (2) Foster holly bushes, about 4-5′ tall planted this past fall. On the back on numerous leaves, there are small black bugs with red rings around the bodies, which are eating the leaves. Is there a particular type of insecticide spray we should use?

Foster Holly. Starts with tips of leaves turning brown, with some having brown around the border of entire leaf. Can you identify disease and suggest a treatment?

Answered by Nikki on September 3, 2011Certified Expert

A.

It is difficult to say for sure, as this could be attributed to a number of things. Usually brown leaves signify that they need more water. Using root stimulator solution on the plants once a month for at least six months may help too, provided that the issue is not root rot. If the bark is still green, the plants are still alive, and even if they lose all or the majority of the leaves, they should eventually leaf back out. Another possibility is scorch, if they're getting too much sun. This article has more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm

I recently bought a Foster Holly from a local nursery with a tag marked Fosteri No. 2′. It has no berries, so could it be a male holly? How long do I have to wait to see if it will get berries? It is about 3 1/2 ft. tall and is planted in a neighborhood that has many other trees.

We just moved into the house, and our Foster Holly plant is showing yellowish white burning symptoms with tiny black dots. Can you suggest something for this? I’m attaching a photo.

Answered by Alisma on February 13, 2017Certified Expert

A.

I am not completely sure, but this looks more like environmental damage than insect or disease damage. Wind, frost, sunburn, or physical damage could have injured the leaves, followed by the leaves turning whitish-yellow. I suspect if you remove the damaged leaves, the problem will go away.

I am new to having Foster holly trees. A landscape company put them in for me. But some of the berries are turning black. Leaves are turning brown. I water the trees 2x a week in the early morning. I put holly/evergreen tree spikes in the ground. Am I doing something wrong? Should I give them aspirin watering? Not sure what to do for them. I have not taken any pictures of them yet.

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on March 6, 2017Certified Expert

A.

Watering is generally the biggest issue with newly planted trees and shrubs.
Generally daily water for the first 2 weeks, then 3 to 4 times a week for the next few weeks.
Review the care information in the link below to make sure the trees were properly planted for you. Check the soil to make sure it is well draining!